Transmission Line Impedance Calculator

Calculate the characteristic impedance of a coaxial cable from its physical dimensions and dielectric constant.

mm
mm

PTFE=2.1, PE=2.3, Air=1.0

Characteristic Impedance

57.6 Ω

Velocity Factor0.659
Capacitance per Meter87.7 pF/m

Characteristic Impedance vs Outer Conductor Inner Diameter

Coaxial Cable Characteristic Impedance

The characteristic impedance of a coaxial transmission line depends on the ratio of conductor diameters and the dielectric material.

Formula

Z_0 = (138 / sqrt(Er)) x log10(D / d)

Where D is the outer conductor inner diameter, d is the inner conductor outer diameter, and Er is the relative dielectric constant.

Common Values

  • 50 ohm: Standard for RF and instrumentation
  • 75 ohm: Video and cable TV
  • 93 ohm: Early computer networks
  • The velocity factor is 1/sqrt(Er), which determines signal propagation speed.

    Example Calculation

    Coaxial cable with D=7.0 mm, d=1.63 mm, polyethylene dielectric (Er=2.3).

    1. 01Diameter ratio: 7.0 / 1.63 = 4.294
    2. 02log10(4.294) = 0.633
    3. 03Z0 = 138 / sqrt(2.3) x 0.633 = 138 / 1.517 x 0.633 = 57.6 ohms
    4. 04Velocity factor: 1 / sqrt(2.3) = 0.659

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